Daniel Farke’s men have lost just one match in their last 10 across all competitions, in a run stretching back to the start of December. They have pulled off some impressive results in that period, beating both Crystal Palace and Chelsea, while also taking points from Liverpool (twice), and Sunderland. Their only defeat came against Newcastle at St James’ Park, but even still, the hosts required two stoppage-time goals, including a late dagger from Harvey Barnes in the 102nd minute. 

Leeds were unfortunate to leave Tyneside empty-handed, but it just goes to show how strong they have been recently. The Whites won 1-0 against Everton in the reverse fixture, but that narrow scoreline didn’t do them justice. They racked up 21 shots and three big chances worth 2.13 xG, while conceding just seven shots from the Toffees in return.  

David Moyes has to contend without several regular first team players for this clash, and he was dealt a massive blow last weekend. Jack Grealish picked up a foot injury, which is expected to keep him out of action for several weeks, joining Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in the treatment room. Michael Keane is another notable absentee from the backline, as he will serve the third and final game of his suspension this weekend. 

Because of that, Everton have looked less comfortable at the back in recent weeks, and Jordan Pickford has had plenty of work to do. The England international registered five crucial saves against Aston Villa last time out as his side held on to a 1-0 win at Villa Park. Pickford is averaging 2.76 saves per game this season and has landed this selection in each of his last five matches.

As some consolation for David Moyes, he will have Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gueye available for selection this weekend, following their return from AFCON. Both players will have a spring in their step in the coming weeks, having secured the trophy with Senegal. They were key players for their side, starting most games, and Ndiaye contributed an important goal in the quarter-finals. 

With Grealish out, Ndiaye can expect to be thrust straight back into the starting XI for Everton, with a massive role in the final third. Prior to his departure, Ndiaye had been in impressive form, with four goals to his name from 16 starts. While his average of 1.34 shots per 90 in the Premier League this season is nothing to write home about, 60% of those hit the target, highlighting how he tends to be accurate. Even at AFCON, he had just six shots, but four of those hit the target. 

While Daniel Farke has a much smaller list of injuries to contend with, he still has a minor selection headache for this weekend. Jaka Bijol missed out against Fulham due to a hamstring strain, and the centre back is expected to be sidelined for at least a few weeks. James Justin confidently filled in at the back in Bijol’s absence against Fulham, and looks set to keep his spot alongside Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk. 

Justin should find duels against Thierno Barry, who looks set to lead the line for Everton. The 23-year-old is averaging 1.74 fouls per 90 across all competitions this season, and isn’t one to shy away from a duel. Barry is quite aggressive and can often be clumsy in his challenges, which bodes well for this selection. Justin is averaging 2.07 fouls drawn per 90 this season, hitting this mark in all five of his starts.

Idrissa Gueye returning to the first team picture is a massive boost for Everton, and he should also come straight into the starting XI this weekend. James Garner has partnered with Merlin Rohl in the double-pivot for the last couple of weeks - the German international usually operates much more advanced, which has given Garner a lot more defensive responsibility. However, the return of Gueye should allow Garner to pick up promising shooting positions further up the pitch, which makes this price stand out. 

Garner is averaging 1.5 shots per 90 across all competitions this season, rising to 1.65 when playing at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. The Englishman managed one shot against Leeds in the reverse fixture, but it is worth noting how he played at left back in that match, deputising for Vitaliy Mykolenko. He should have much more attacking freedom this weekend, particularly on home turf, where he seems to have more confidence going forward.

Calvert-Lewin will make his return to Merseyside this weekend, to face the side who released him over the summer. The Englishman made 239 appearances for the Toffees over the course of nine years before his departure - he will face his former club for the first time since. Calvert-Lewin has been in impressive form this season and has already scored nine goals in his 21 appearances for Leeds across all competitions. He should be fired up for this one and eager to impress, hoping to prove a point. The 28-year-old is averaging 1.47 fouls per 90 this season, and that figure looks set to rise this weekend. 

James Tarkowski will know all about Calvert-Lewin, and will hope to frustrate him on Monday night. The centre back is averaging 0.99 fouls drawn per 90 this season, rising to 1.35 fouls drawn per 90 at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, where he has landed this selection in each of his last three matches. 

Simon Hooper is the designated referee for this clash, which is a great appointment for backing the overs. The 43-year-old has dished out 51 yellows and two reds from his 12 Premier League appearances this season, averaging 4.4 cards per game, which is above the league average. He can be quite strict at times, which doesn’t bode well for Ethan Ampadu, who has already been carded seven times in the Premier League this season. 

The Leeds skipper is averaging just 1.22 fouls per 90 across all competitions this term, but a high percentage of his fouls tend to be cynical. He has been carded in each of his last two Premier League away days, and also picked up a yellow against Fulham last weekend. However, that came because of his complaints to referee Chris Kavanagh - Ampadu can be very passionate at times, and Hooper isn’t usually too keen on accepting criticism.